College of Health Sciences

Graduate programs in the University of Memphis College of Health Sciences are making significant strides as they celebrate the graduation of their first doctoral candidates. Both the Exercise, Sport & Movement Sciences and Nutrition Sciences programs have officially entered a new phase of academic advancement, reflecting the college’s continued investment in high-level research, innovation and workforce development.

In December 2025, the Nutrition Sciences program graduated its first PhD candidate, Sam Lyons. Mentored by Dr. Max Paquette, Lyons specialized in running mechanics and has since accepted a position as an assistant professor at Whittier College. His work continues to gain traction in the field, with plans to contribute to this year’s Mid-South Biomechanics Conference—further extending the University of Memphis’ research footprint into national conversations.

The milestone also includes Rafael Maurmann, the first doctoral candidate to successfully defend a thesis within the Nutrition Sciences program. His research, titled “Targeting Mitochondrial Fitness to Restore Immune Balance in Aging: The Role of Urolithin A,” explores innovative approaches to improving immune function through cellular health. Together, these achievements signal a strong future for doctoral education within the College of Health Sciences—one defined by impactful research, expert mentorship and graduates prepared to lead in their fields.